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EXPLORE! Worldwide Adventures > Activities & Experiences |
EXPLORE! Activities & experiences
Don't just Travel - Explore!
If you like coming back from a vacation feeling revived and refreshed, then take a look at our amazing Activities & Experiences trips.
Choose from a range of walking & trekking, rafting, kayaking and cycling, all of which are graded easy, moderate, strenuous and tough - to help you make the right choice.
Whatever you prefer, on these trips you'll get up close, meet the locals and feast your senses.
Explore Adventures go beyond a vacation to give you an authentic travel experience.
Explore-style travel is enriching and inspiring as well as flexible and fun. getting off the beaten track with small, informal groups of like-minded people.
Choose from innovative itineraries with the best tour leaders in the business to give you invaluable local insight, leaving you free to enjoy precious vacation time.
Here you'll find just a small sample of what is available. To see our full range of tours and adventures click here to request a brochure.
A sample of our 'Activities & Experiences' trips:
8 Days Loire Valley Cycling, France (easy)
8 Days Gulet Cruise along Turkish Coast (easy)
8 Days Tuscany Chianti Classico, Italy (centre-based walking, easy to moderate)
8 Days Amalfi Coast Walking & Farmstay, Italy (easy to moderate)
8 Days Croatian Active Family Adventure - minimum age 8
8 Days Tuscan Active Teen Adventure - minimum age 11
9 Days Highlights of Mont Blanc, France (moderate, walking)
9 Days Inca Trail Trek, Peru (moderate to strenuous)
14 Days Inca Trail Teen Adventure - minimum age 11
10 Days Drakensberg & Wild Coast, South Africa/Lesotho
(moderate - strenuous)
10 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb - Lemosho Trek, Tanzania (strenuous - tough)
17 Days Ecuatoriana and the Galapagos (easy - sail, swim & snorkel)
KILIMANJARO – LEMOSHO TREK (EX16-KC)
10 Day Trek to the ‘Roof of Africa’
This trek begins in the farmlands and plantations of the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Climb through shrub forest onto the Shira plateau, with fine views over the Great Rift Valley and Mt. Meru. Explore the pinnacles of Shira Cathedral before pressing on in the shadow of the northern icefields of Kibo crater itself. Take an acclimatisation walk to Lent Hills for further stunning views over the surrounding plains, before reaching Lava Tower, with a further (optional) hike to the ruins at Arrow glacier.
A dramatic trek into the Great Barranco Valley and up the Barranco Wall to the last water point of Karanga Valley, before climbing further into a lunar landscape and reaching the final ascent camp at Barafu. The summit attempt takes you up the steep southern side of Kibo Crater to Stella Point on the crater rim, before making your final approach around the rim to Uhuru Peak. The descent takes a more direct route on the south side down through the forest to Millennium camp and Mweka Gate.
Comfort 
Active
Trip Highlight:
Kilimanjaro – climbing Africa’s highest mountain!
Detailed trip notes (pdf)
Tour Dates: Thursdays from July 2012 to September 2012
Tour Cost: from $2660 per person sharing twin accommodation
Single Supplement: $130
Group Size: 12 – 16 passengers
Type of Accommodation: standard hotel & basic camping
Vehicles: bus, walking
Meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
Comment: A tough, camping-based trek to high altitude ascending from 2100m to 5895m over 8 days and 7 nights.
Why book this tour?
On this trek we spend eight days on Kilimanjaro. Our ascent rates are slow and safe, resulting in a much higher than average summit success rate.
The safety of our treks on Kilimanjaro has been assessed by independent medical specialists and unlike many other tour operators our rate of ascent complies with Wilderness Medicine Society (WMS) guidelines.
All of our guides and trek leaders on Kilimanjaro are first aid trained; as a precaution we carry oxygen cylinders and Gamow bags on our treks for emergency use.
We actively support our trek crew through the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP). Our trekking staff are all from the local area and revenues from our treks benefit the local economy.
Unlike some tour operators, we include the US$600+ Kilimanjaro park fees in the price. There are no hidden extras.
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Blue Cruise (EX17-CE)
8 Day Gulet Cruise Along Turkey's Turquoise Coast
Cruise along the Lycian coastline on a traditional wooden ‘gulet’ on this relaxing sailing holiday. From Fethiye travel to the hillside village of Kalkan, the harbour town of Kas and the sunken city of Kekova. Explore small Turkish bays and islands with the chance to swim, snorkel and sea kayak in the warm waters of the Aegean Sea.
Comfort 
Active
Tour Highlights
Kalkan & Kas - Whitewashed coastal villages
Demre Cayagzi - Chance to visit ancient Arycanda
Kekova - Sunken ruins and unspoilt villages
Detailed trip notes (pdf)
Tour Dates: Mondays from May to September, 2012
Tour Cost: from $990 per adult, sharing accommodation
Single Supplement: N/A
Group Size: 12 – 16 passengers
Type of Accommodation: 7 nights on Boat
Vehicles: Chartered Turkish gulet/Bus
Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners, 6 Lunches
Comment
Captain, Cook and crew on Gulet. Relaxing, fun and stimulating in equal measure.
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INCA TRAIL TREK (EX18 – PQ)
9 Days Inca Trail, Sacred Valley and Cuzco
Walk along the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Learn about traditional Andean culture on the 4-day trek to the summit of ‘The Lost City’ as we pass Inca ruins en route. Arrive at the Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided visit of this legendary lost city.
Discover the Sacred Valley, visit the colourful Pisac market and explore the historic town of Cuzco.
Note: the Inca Trail is a moderate to strenuous trek (5-6hrs a day, on average) for the physically fit. Maximum altitude is 4200m.
Comfort 
Active
Trip Highlights:
Cuzco – an opportunity to explore the ancient capital of the Incas
Sacred Valley – Pisac and Ollantaytambo: magnificent ruins and Indian markets
The Inca Trail – a 4-day hike through the Andes
Machu Picchu – a guided visit of the lost city
Detailed trip notes (pdf)
Tour Dates: Sundays from April to October 2012
Tour Cost: from $1300 per person sharing twin accommodation
Single Supplement: $45
Group Size: 12 – 17 passengers
Type of Accommodation: standard hotel, camping hostel
Vehicles: bus, train
Meals: 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Comment: It is possible to extend your stay with a 3-night sojourn in a jungle lodge deep in Amazonia. Explore the Amazon jungle by dugout canoe and also on foot for close-up views of exotic tropical flora. There's plenty of time to relax and soak up the atmosphere. (EX18a-PQ)
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MONT BLANC TREK (EX19 – MBH)
8 Day Walking trip through Villages, Meadows and over High Passes -
-appealing to both Experienced and Novice Walkers-
The Mont Blanc massif is home to the charming Chamonix Valley in the French Alps and provides outstanding mountain scenery. Trek sections of the famous Tour du Mont Blanc route including the spectacular Petit Balcon Sud trail.
Based in a comfortable hotel you can relax at the end of each day, with no need to carry luggage during walks or pack up every night.
Comfort 
Active
Trip Highlights:
Mont Blanc massif – snowy peaks, glaciers, and granite spires
Tour du Mont Blanc – hike along scenic sections of this tour
Alpine chalet – mountains views and great food
Optional activities – rock climbing, cycling, rafting, cable car
Detailed trip notes (pdf)
Tour Dates: Sundays from June to September 2012
Tour Cost: from $1560 per person sharing twin accommodation
Single Supplement: N/A
Group Size: 12 – 16 passengers
Type of Accommodation: standard hotel
Vehicles: private & public buses, train, cable car
Meals: 5 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners
Comment
Following well-maintained trails, the trek is graded B (moderate) and you should expect to walk for 5-6 hours each day. None of these days are strenuous, though most ascents are up to 800m. All walks are optional since every evening is spent at the chalet.
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DRAKENSBERG & WILD COAST TRAILS (EX20–DT)
11 day Walking & Cultural Adventure in South Africa and Lesotho
This trekking adventure takes you along coastal trails and mountain peaks, and into South African tribal villages. Explore Drakensberg and walk to Thabana Ntlenyana (3482m) - the highest point in southern Africa.
Also trek along the Wild Coast, an untouched wilderness of undulating hills, verdant forest and sandy beaches.
Comfort 
Active
Trip Highlights:
Moolmanshoek – meerkat encounter
Malealea – a 2 day trek through the Thaba-Putsoa mountains and Basotho villages
The Basotho People – spend time with this tribe
Drakensberg Mountains – with an optional hike to the highest point in southern Africa
Sani Pass – 1000m descent from Lesotho into South Africa
Wild Coast – 3 day trek along this untouched wilderness
Detailed trip notes (pdf)
Tour Dates: March 28 and July 25, 2012
Tour Cost: from $2610 per person sharing twin accommodation
Single Supplement: N/A
Group Size: 6 – 16 passengers
Type of Accommodation: guest house, traditional hut, basic & standard hotel
Vehicles: bus, 4WD vehicles, walking
Meals: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Comment
Walks are generally moderate to strenuous (from 4 to 8 hours a day). The optional ascent of Thabana Ntlenyana is longer and harder.
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LOIRE VALLEY CYCLING (EX25–LV)
8 day Discover France by Bicycle
Enjoy the bountiful vineyards, fruit orchards and delightful villages that explain why the Loire Valley is known as ‘The Garden of France’. On this relaxed ride you will follow quiet country roads from Chenonceau to Chinon.
Explore the medieval chateau on an island in Azay-le-Rideau. Visit Leonardo da Vinci’s final home at Clos Lucé and discover Fontevraud Abbey in Anjou.
Comfort 
Active
Tour Highlights:
Chateau of Chenonceau – the Chateau des Dames
Montrichard – a medieval town
Loire Valley – cycle in the ‘Garden of France’
Azay-le-Rideau – with its chateau and nearby troglodyte villages
Detailed trip notes (pdf)
Tour Dates: Saturdays in July and August 2012
Tour Cost: from $1160 per person sharing twin accommodation
Single Supplement: N/A
Group Size: 10 – 14 passengers
Type of Accommodation: standard hotel
Vehicles: 18 or 21 speed hybrid bicycles complete with pannier, water-bottle holder, lock, and map holder
Meals: 7 breakfasts
Comment
Graded easy - 153km/4 days (average of 39km); plus additional optional day rides. Undulating terrain and quiet country roads link the historic châteaux and towns. We spend two nights in most hotels, giving you the choice of cycling as much or as little as you want on static days. You can ride independently or with group members. Cycling is 95% asphalt; 5% gravel tracks.
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AMALFI COAST WALKING (EX29–NAW)
8 Day Walking Tour with Farmstay on Italy's Amalfi Coast
-excellent value trip with many included meals-
The Amalfi region, with its incredible coastline is an ideal destination for a relaxed walking holiday. Staying on a family-run farm, you can choose from a variety of day walks across cliff-tops, vineyards and national parks, including the celebrated ‘Walk of the Gods’ from Bomerano to Positano. Return each night to home-cooked Italian cuisine and local wine. There is also time to explore cultural highlights in Amalfi and Positano.
Comfort 
Active
Tour Highlights:
Among the many highlights featured on this tour, we particularly mention:
Luna d’Agerola – a beautiful Agriturismo (farmhouse) where we stay with the family
Gentle Walks and Spectacular Scenery – passing through quaint villages
Positano, Amalfi & Pompeii
Italian Food and Wine – rustic southern Italian style food, home grown at the farm
Detailed trip notes (pdf)
Tour Dates: Saturdays in October and December 2012
Tour Cost: from $1390 per person sharing twin accommodation
Single Supplement: $450
Group Size: 12 – 16 passengers
Type of Accommodation: Farmstay
Vehicles: private & public buses/ ferry
Meals: 7 breakfast, 3 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Comment: A wonderful mix of Italian family life, superb scenery, great accommodation and Italy's chic coastal towns. The walking is graded easy to moderate and you should expect to walk 3 to 5 hours each day. Follow ancient paths that link the villages: most are well-maintained, but some can be a bit rocky underfoot. You need to be fairly fit, although all the walks are optional.
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TUSCANY – CHIANTI CLASSICO (EX30–LTY)
8 Day Walking Holiday with Villa Stay in Italy's Tuscany Region
-easy paced and centre based-
Beautiful cities, rolling hills and fine wines are all part of this walking holiday in Tuscany. Stay in a traditional villa in the heart of Chianti and enjoy walks through sun-drenched vineyards. Explore the historic cities of Florence and Siena, visit the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano and sample the delicious local wines.
Comfort 
Active
Tour Highlights:
Tuscan Landscapes - walk amongst vineyards and Cypress trees
Chianti - fine wine country
San Gimignano – a classic Medieval hilltop town
Siena - day trip to medieval city
Florence - treasures of Renaissance art
Detailed trip notes (pdf)
Tour Dates: Sunday October 07, 2012
Tour Cost: from $1390 per person sharing twin accommodation
Single Supplement: $315
Group Size: 10 – 16 passengers
Type of Accommodation: traditional villa
Vehicles: bus
Meals: 7 breakfast, 3 Lunches
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